The Happy Cog team is composed of many different people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skills. In this “Getting to Know” series of blog posts, we hope to let our readers get to know our very talented team as well as we do. From what they do outside of their day jobs to their tastes in music to what inspires them, these posts offer a little glimpse into the lives and personalities of our amazing team.

Meet Mara: Human Resources Manager – Outdoor Enthusiast, Dog Lover, Wannabe Foodie

Q: Hi Mara! Where are you from and where are you currently located? What do you love most about where you reside?

A: I’m originally from Syracuse, NY but my family moved to Maryland when I was about 14. I am currently located in Philadelphia, where I spent 10 years after college, and recently just moved back after about 5 years living in Arizona. What I love most about where I live is that there is always something to do or somewhere to go – whether it be a restaurant, sports game, or hiking trail. There’s a lot of history around Philly...and great coffee!

Q: You’ve been at HC for 3 months now! We’re happy to have you here. What’s your favorite part so far? What are you looking forward to the most in your role?

A: My favorite part about working here is meeting and collaborating with such talented and creative people. I’m looking forward to being a trusted resource anyone can come to with any question, whether it’s for work or outside of work.

My favorite part about working here is meeting and collaborating with such talented and creative people. I’m looking forward to being a trusted resource anyone can come to with any question, whether it’s for work or outside of work.

Q: What is your favorite part about your profession/career?

A: I really enjoy the compassionate side of HR, the work-life balance it brings, and the knowledge I have of many different types of jobs and roles. My favorite part is being able to help someone, even if it’s answering a simple question. Everyone has a lot of work on their plates, so if I can help them check just one thing off, then I’ll feel that I have done my job.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I love being outside – walking my dog, hiking, traveling...sign me up! I’ve recently been into cooking, and I’m slowly starting to get into baking too.

Q: What are you currently reading, watching, and listening to?

A: One of my new year’s resolutions is to start reading again, so check back in a few months and hopefully I have something I am currently reading! Right now I am hooked on the new seasons of Queer Eye and Euphoria and just finished the series finale of Insecure. I’m currently listening to Leon Bridges, Fleetwood Mac (somehow always lands in the rotation), and my husband recently got me into a group called The Dip.

Q: Name three items on your bucket list.

A: I don’t really have a bucket list, but more of a travel list! The first item being: to go on an African safari.

Q: Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to and why?

A: Sicily! I got to travel there with two of my best friends, and we both have family from Southern Italy. It was awesome to see where our grandparents were from and experience that together. We also got to attend a wedding, and what a party that was!

Q: What are you most excited about in 2022?

A: Hopefully I’ll get to travel more this year – especially for beach trips this summer!

Getting to Know: Mara Sardella